We were big John Waters fans and were there when Divine made a live appearance. The Brass Rail: The longest-running gay bar in San Diego, the Brass Rail deserves credit for always finding new ways to reinvent itself for the current times. The disco "ball" over the dance floor was a recumbent, mirrored, naked man with a construction hat. It was only startling the first time I used it. The women's bathroom was used by drag queens and guys who didn't want to participate in the sex going on in the Men's room. The music was loud and kept us hopping-everyone was really nice. After closing a group of us would head to the 24-hour Roberto's taco stand. My female buddy and I were certainly in the minority, but once we were known and followed the rules (no open-toed shoes, is the one I remember) that were designed to keep out straight women who didn't know any better we were welcomed with sweaty arms by the regulars. Our gang would hang out at someone's apartment until 11pm which was designated "magic bar time" when there would be a crowd. We ended up going there as a group every Friday and Saturday night for years-dancing and joking and doing poppers while drinking soda water. They go hard every night, and twice on weekends, so you and your friends can get some. I had a bunch of gay male friends and my best friend who at the time used the term "fag hag" which is problematic on so many levels, but she was my intro to this enchanted world. Chippendales Las Vegas is a mantastic, sex-god, abs party that will make you lose your damn mind in the best way of course The guys bring down the house (and drop trou) on stage at their very own theater in the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It was a safe haven for me (a young, cis woman who was harassed in the straight bars which were a nightmare of entitled, white frat bros and military jerks) who just wanted to dance and have fun. I had my 21st birthday in 1981 at the WCPC (West Coast Production Company or Wussy P*ssy as it was nicknamed) on Hancock Street.